Dear Ratepayers,
This post is aimed at demonstrating to ratepayers of the Riebeek Valley that getting involved and exercising your democratic rights can pay off.
It relates to town planning and the Klein Kasteel development at the bottom of Van Riebeek Street in Riebeek Kasteel.
The original development suddenly hit the local headlines without much warning in 2022 and was based on the construction of 31 houses and a clubhouse on a plot of roughly 1.8ha. This represented a housing density more than double that of the average density for all blocks adjacent to the new development.
Altogether, 22 persons — including the Riebeek Valley Ratepayers Association (RVRA) — originally submitted written objections to the Swartland Municipality in accordance with the due process. These objections were effectively rejected by the Swartland Municipality and the proposed development of 31 units was approved.
A number of residents, together with the RVRA, decided to appeal this decision under the banner of The RVRA who then coordinated the appeal process via its Deputy Chairperson, William Pulles. The necessary funds were raised by the concerned residents to launch the appeal, which was then submitted in writing by the RVRA to the Swartland Municipality. The appeal, together with other relevant information, was evaluated in good faith by the developer, their town planning consultant and the selling agents.
In response to the appeal, a letter setting out proposed modifications to the development plan was sent to the RVRA on 13 January and this was followed up with a site visit between William Pulles, the developer, the town planner and agents on 16 January.
Leading from these engagements, a written agreement was entered into between the developer and the RVRA on 18 January, whereby the following written undertakings were agreed upon:
- Density of the development is irrevocably reduced from 31 units to 20 units.
- All constructed dwellings are confirmed to be single storey.
- Height restriction from the ground to top of the roof will be 8.5m instead of 10.5m for any potential future changes.
- The developer will assist an affected adjacent owner in constructing noise/light barriers to mitigate impacts associated with proposed new entrance.
The lower density also allows for a more staggered positioning of the houses, thereby breaking rigid roof lines, additionally satisfying other requirements of concerned residents.
Based on this written agreement, the RVRA subsequently withdrew its appeal and supported the amended development, and an appropriate letter was submitted to The Swartland Municipality.
Best wishes,
The RVRA Committee
Riebeek Valley Ratepayers Association